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Tour Add-Ons & Specialty Tours

Thematic Tours
Your group can request that the standard Oberlin Heritage Center tour focus on a particular topic, such as African-American history or women's history. Though other information will still be included, as necessary, the tour docents will try to focus on your requested topic. There is no extra charge for requesting a particular thematic focus for your tour. Please do let us know ahead of time, though, so that our docents can be prepared for more in-depth questions, etc. For information on reserving a group tour, please see our group tour information page.

Extended Tours
Your group also has the option of requesting a walking tour element, either in place of visiting one (or all) of our buildings, or in addition to the "standard" tour. For example, a group interested primarily in the Underground Railroad could visit the Monroe House and Little Red Schoolhouse, and then, instead of visiting the 1884 Jewett House, could request a short walking tour to select Underground Railroad-related sites in town, such as First Church, the Underground Railroad sculpture, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, or the Evans House.

Scout and Youth Club Programs
The Oberlin Heritage Center is in the process of developing special group programs, such as one- to three-hour-long programs directed to Scout troops and taking them near completion of a badge. The following are examples of badges we may be able to help scouts fulfill requirements for: My Heritage, Listening to the Past, Local Lore, Architecture, Folk Art, Making My Family Special, What Makes America Special, American Heritage, Citizenship in the Community, and Genealogy. We invite other clubs and organizations to also contact us about program or service requirements that we may be able to accomodate. If you are interested in receiving more information about, or scheduling, one of these sessions, please contact the Museum Education and Tour Coordinator.

A Walk Through Time:
Tour the History of Oberlin Through the Landmarks Around Tappan Square
Learn about the earliest residents of Oberlin, hear fascinating stories of the triumphs, debates, and scandals linked to the landmarks around Tappan Square, and walk away with a lively appreciation of Oberlin's unique heritage. Visitors will be able to compare the buildings of today to the buildings of yesteryear using historic photographs of Oberlin's earliest structures. This hour and fifteen minute guided walking tour is is available for group reservations from April through October. Guests will also be able to join us for scheduled walking tours in the summer, so be sure to check the Calendar of Events in the future. Group reservations may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an e-mail to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. There is a $6 per adult fee ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The fee for youth and school groups is $3 per child and the tour can be modified to address lessons being taught in the classroom. The tour will be cancelled and refunds will be made if it is raining at start time. The tour starts at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 S. Professor Street. Whether you've lived in Oberlin forever or are new to the area, you'll find much to enjoy.

Step-On Guides for Bus Tours
The Oberlin Heritage Center can also provide you with a step-on guide to provide the narrative to a driving tour of Oberlin. Please note that the Oberlin Heritage Center does not provide a bus or motorcoach--we can only provide the guide, who will "step-on" to your bus or motorcoach. Again, pricing for this specialty tour varies; please contact our tour coordinator with questions, and be sure to mention your interest when you first schedule the group's visit to the Oberlin Heritage Center.

Self-Guided Tours
Many of our self-guided tours are available here. They can serve as excellent pre- or post-guided tour reading, or stand-alone tours for anyone unable to visit Oberlin in the flesh.